"Now that the Imperial Edict has been issued, what do you think, Lord Yang?"
Seeing Yang Qing remain silent for so long, Suotu asked.
Yang Qing smiled bleakly. "What do you think, Lord Suo?"
Suotu's breath caught. He did not know how to answer.
Since ancient times, emperors had been cold of heart. Had that not long been plain to see?
Seeing that Suotu had no answer either, Yang Qing actually laughed aloud. "Why trouble yourself, Lord Suo? If this is what His Majesty wants, I shall grant his wish."
"Lord Yang, are you intending to...?" Suotu asked in alarm.
"To ease my sovereign's burdens is my duty as a subject. You worry too much, Lord Suo."
Yang Qing's expression was calm, giving no hint of whether he was pleased or angry.
Chu Jinghui's edict had reminded Yang Qing that a realm long divided must unite, and a realm long united must divide.
Duan Hongzhuo had now lost the people's support and seen his schemes ruined, but who could say that Duan Ziqian did not harbor a wolf's ambition toward Western Chu?
With Duan Hongzhuo watching like a tiger from the sidelines, he had merely set those thoughts aside for the time being.
Now that Prince Ding had returned, Duan Ziqian was like a tiger granted wings.
Taking Duan Ziqian's head would be anything but easy.
Moreover, even if he successfully brought down Duan Ziqian, was Prince Ding someone easily dealt with? He would surely stabilize the court in the shortest possible time, turn back the raging tide, and then raise a new sovereign to the throne.
In that case, what turmoil would there be in Northern Liang? And how would Western Chu benefit?
Chu Jinghui, far away in Western Chu, could not possibly be unaware of this reasoning.
Yet